Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I hit the nine-month mark of residing in London. While this may not seem extensive, I’ve gained considerable insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, presenting a multitude of housing alternatives and a variety of communities. Students have an abundance of choices available to them. Both student residences and private living arrangements offer numerous options such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, shared rooms and private accommodations, studio flats, and house shares. Domestic students can effortlessly schedule apartment viewings, while international students can utilize platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom to browse potential living spaces online, assess amenities, and locate public transport links.
In my quest for housing, I set my sights on renting a room in Central London to stay close to principal attractions, social venues, and Imperial’s campus. London is segmented into six concentric zones, with zones one and two being the most central. The city features an outstanding transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it simple to traverse and travel between zones. I aimed to minimize travel expenses, as traveling between zones can cost up to £5.25 daily, so I opted to walk short distances rather than rely on public transport. Nonetheless, oyster card alternatives have rendered university commutes more affordable. Moreover, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the underground network, reaching areas outside Central London. Fares for inter-zone journeys on these services fluctuate based on distance and the pricing structure of each train provider. The major attractions in Central London contribute to elevated living costs. Luckily, I attended university alongside a friend, and we opted to share a room, which substantially decreased our rent. I favored intercollegiate student accommodations to connect with peers from varied backgrounds and the same age group, a mix often harder to find in private rentals.
Being close to grocery stores was essential for me. Popular supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, with more affordable options like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near vital stores such as supermarkets and pharmacies saves time on errands, particularly during exam periods.
Selecting a neighborhood can be tough. London’s ethnic communities are vital to its cultural diversity, providing a rich array of neighborhoods. Numerous international students in London look for familiarity reminiscent of their home countries. Southall in West London boasts a large South Asian community with Indian eateries, grocery shops, and traditional clothing stores. Brixton in South London is famous for its Afro-Caribbean community and lively music scene. Chinatown, located in the heart of London’s West End, is a bustling area filled with many Chinese restaurants, shops, and cultural happenings. These are merely a few instances of community-oriented neighborhoods.
The prime areas to reside in London depend on your preferences and requirements. When on the lookout for a new home in London, relish the diversity and richness of its accommodation options, delve into cultural enclaves, and experience the convenience and vibrancy of this extraordinary city.